Georgia DOT rail plan meeting set for Valdosta

VALDOSTA — Georgia Department of Transportation representatives will conduct a meeting this afternoon in Valdosta to present the draft needs and proposed projects, policies and programs of the 2014 Statewide Rail Plan and to receive public comments, DOT officials said.

The meeting, set for 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Valdosta City Hall Annex, 300 N. Lee St., will include a short presentation at 5:30 p.m. That presentation will be posted on the project webpage next week with contact information for those who want to submit a comment: http://www.dot.ga.gov/travelingingeorgia/rail/Pages/StateRailPlan.aspx.

This is the second and final round of meetings.

Initiated earlier this year, DOT officials say the Rail Plan will serve as a statewide long-range planning document for passenger and freight rail transportation. It will articulate the state’s vision for rail services and provide comprehensive industry data. The plan extends from the present to 2040 and is integrated into the Department’s Statewide Transportation Plan (SWTP) and Statewide Strategic Transportation Plan (SSTP).

DOT officials say an extensive outreach to the state’s railroads, shippers, ports, transit agencies, minority and low-income community leaders, public sector transportation planners, neighboring states’ transportation officials and the public has taken place. A series of statewide public meetings and a stakeholder workshop were held in the spring. Additionally, a steering committee meets regularly, providing input to the study.

At tonight’s meeting, Department representatives and the project team will present the draft needs and proposals for passenger and freight rail as identified by the stakeholders, rail users, agencies, and the public. Participants also will be able to provide input on the information collected to date as well as additional information.

The 2014 Georgia State Rail Plan will be published in December. CDM Smith, a transportation planning and engineering firm, is assisting DOT in the plan’s development. Inquiries about the plan can be directed to Harry Boxler, Georgia DOT project manager, at [email protected] or (404) 631-1225.